During the early part of 1970’s many buildings and products used for construction contained asbestos materials. The products which contained asbestos included pipes, asbestos roofing, tiles, paper tapes, etc. Asbestos has fibers which when released into the air can be harmful when inhaled. It was used in products to provide insulation to heat and resistance to fire. If you are in the construction business, it is your duty to get a survey done on Site Environmental & Remediation Services on asbestos.

Experts at www.sciencedaily.com state that you cannot predict the presence of asbestos by only looking at it through your naked eye if it is not labelled. The materials need to be analyzed by professionals and then be used.

How is asbestos found: Mineral fiber present in asbestos is found using a microscope? The sample needs to be analyzed by qualified professionals who have knowledge of it. If in doubt, it is always treated as if it contains asbestos. All asbestos materials should be labelled. Materials should be sent to a lab for analysis, and a professional who knows how to look for it will decide its presence. Asbestos products if in good condition should be left untouched, only those materials that are broken should be sampled, and samples should not be taken yourself as it can be quite dangerous if not done properly.

Asbestos Survey: An asbestos survey is an inspection of the premises to find the presence of asbestos. The survey will have to assess the risk, a register with all the details of asbestos materials for those who are going to maintain or renovate the building. The survey should also take samples of materials to check and analyze the presence of materials containing asbestos. A Periodic review has to be done on the premises until all the asbestos containing materials are removed out of premises. There are two types of asbestos surveys

refurbishment survey
Management survey

Refurbishment survey or Demolition survey is done when the premises or building needs to be renovated or demolished so that
The work is done properly by contractors
No workers are harmed when working on the materials containing asbestos
Identify areas where asbestos is present before construction or before using any types of equipment which contain asbestos materials.
During certification and while conducting a survey, the area must be evacuated. Post certification of the area being fit to work, workers can commence their tasks

Management Survey: This survey is needed for certification for occupation of building to make sure that the asbestos containing materials has not caused
Any harm to the occupants by the presence of asbestos materials
The materials and equipment containing asbestos is in good condition
Has not been disturbed by anybody
Foresee any material or equipment needs replacement.

As per asbestos regulations, a survey needs to be conducted before the start of work to make sure that people who work in those premises are not in danger. It is an offence to put people’s lives at risk, and only a small fiber release can cause serious health issues. That is the reason why asbestos awareness is essential to know the risks involved while working with asbestos and take preventive measures.